Mobility Issues Advisory Committee

Comité consultatif sur les questions de mobilité

 

Minutes 8 / Procès -verbal 8

 

Thursday, 27 June 2002, 7:00 p.m.

le jeudi 27 juin 2002, 19 h 00

 

Richmond Room, 110 Laurier Avenue West

Salle Richmond, 110, avenue Laurier ouest

 

 

Present / Présents :    D. Bell, (Chair / Président), S. Clark, D. Gladstone, P. Gartenburg,  M. Haddad (Vice-Chair / Vice-président), L. McCarney, E. Marquez, B. Murdock, G. Pettifer,  B. Singh Sembi, P. Spearey

 

Absent / Absents :      D. Ahee, L. Euteneier, P. Hallett, V. Smallman,

Councillor / Conseiller C. Doucet (non-voting / sans droit de vote)

 

 

DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

DÉCLARATIONS D’INTÉRÊT

 

No declarations of interest were filed.

 

 

Confirmation of minutes

ratification des procès-verbaux

 

Minutes 7 of the Mobility Issues Advisory Committee meeting of 16 May 2002 were confirmed.

 

 

CHAIR’S OPENING REMARKS

MOTS D’OUVERTURE DU PRÉSIDENT

 

Chair D. Bell indicated a memorandum was received from Mr. P. G. Pagé, Director, Secretariat Services and City Clerk, in response to the Committee’s earlier submission with respect to the appointment of City of Ottawa employees to Advisory Committees.  He noted that input on the 2003 Budget Directions was forwarded to the appropriate area and referenced Member D. L. Ahee’s email with respect to the B.E.S.T. Conference website (www.best.bc.ca).  In conclusion, he congratulated members on their re-appointment and welcomed Efren Marquez as a new member.  He noted Pat Hallett, a new appointee, resigned due to a conflict of interest as a result of Mr. Hallett’s bidding on City of Ottawa contracts in his professional capacity as a transportation consultant.

 

 

DEFERRALS AND REFERRALS

REPORTS ET RENVOIS                 

 

1.                  HARMONIZED SIDEWALK TECHNICAL DESIGN GUIDELINES

LIGNES DIRECTRICES SUR LA CONCEPTION DES TROTTOIRS        

ACS2002-CCS-TTC-0008                                                                                        

 

A draft report prepared by Member L. Euteneier in response to the motion referred by the Transportation and Transit Committee was tabled for discussion at a future meeting.  Discussion occurred on certain terminology.

 

Mr. R. Orchin, Manager, Mobility and Area Traffic Management, Traffic and Parking Operations noted the term “boulevard” will be clearly defined as part of sidewalk policy as the area separating the sidewalk from the active part of a roadway.  He noted there is room to accommodate such a feature in existing and new roadways, but that in certain situations compromise must be sought.  He noted consensus between the City and developers has not been reached on the use of “boulevards”.

 

That the Mobility Issues Advisory Committee consider and provide comments to staff on the following:

 

As part of the development of sidewalk design guidelines, a re-evaluation be made of depressed curbs at corners for universal access.  The concern here is that they are dangerous as they provide no protection to pedestrians who are standing on the corner.

 

                                                                                    DEFERRED

 

 

2.         ROLE OF THE COUNCILLOR

RÔLE DU CONSEILLER                                                                                          

 

Chair D. Bell provided clarification on this item, noting the Committee was not debating the role of the Councillor per se.  As a follow up to a discussion initiated by Councillor C. Doucet at the 18 April 2002 meeting, the Committee discussed as requested by the Councillor his participation as a non-voting member in relation to his views on transit and transportation issues. The Chair noted that a second liaison Councillor could be sought to provide a balance on transportation issues.  Members of the Committee were asked to contact the Chair to provide comment.

 

 

3.         Laurier Bridge Project and Long-term Traffic and Pedestrian Plans for the Surrounding Area

le projet du pont Laurier et les plans de circulations routière et piétonnière à long terme pour le secteur adjacent

ACS2002-CCV-MOI-0005                                                                                       

 

Chair D. Bell noted Member L. Euteneier, who prepared the recommendations, was unavoidably absent.  He asked staff for comment on the report.

 

Mr. R. Orchin, Manager, Mobility and Area Traffic Management, Traffic and Parking Operations, called the Committee’s attention to the Department’s comment found on pages 43 and 44 of the Agenda, particularly comments regarding public consultation and substantial additional cost in the third paragraph.

 

Discussion occurred on the desirability of proceeding with the recommendations given the project is in its construction phase.  Mr. Orchin noted concerns in terms of timing and legal requirements of installing a traffic control signal as proposed. He stated he discussed the matter with John Buck, Manager, Traffic and Safety Services, Traffic and Parking Operations.  The Committee considered the recommendation.

 

That the Mobility Issues Advisory Committee recommend that Transportation and Transit Committee and Council direct staff to undertake the following modifications to the Laurier Bridge Reconstruction Project:

 

1.         That the pedestrian crosswalk crossing the exit ramp from Laurier Avenue’s eastbound lanes to the Queen Elizabeth Driveway be equipped with a request-activated traffic light that would require only those vehicles exiting Laurier Avenue south on the ramp leading to the Queen Elizabeth Driveway to stop;

 

2.         That a lane be created prior to the south exit ramp to the Queen Elizabeth Driveway where those eastbound vehicles intending to exit can stop without affecting the eastbound traffic on Laurier Avenue when the crosswalk signal is activated; 

 

3.         That the crosswalk be well lit and signed to alert vehicle operators of the crosswalk and the traffic signal.

 

                                                                                                LOST (unanimous)

 

The Committee agreed to reformat the recommendations in the form of a memorandum and circulate to members of the Transportation and Transit Committee in order to inform Councillors of the concerns of the Sub-committee.

 

 

4.         Proposed Outdoor Patio - City Diner - 311 Bank Street Fronting MacLaren Street

Terrasse extérieure projetée : City Diner, 311, rue Bank, donnant sur la rue MacLaren                                                                                                             

 

Mr. R. Fournier and Mr. T. Harris, Infrastructure Services, Transportation, Utilities and Public Works Department provided details on the proposed outdoor patio and background information on patio encroachment on road allowances.  Mr. Fournier indicated the Encroachment By-law, which was adopted in the former City of Ottawa four to five years ago, regulates such applications.  He noted the by-law requires an applicant to submit a written request accompanied by a sketch.  The by-law prescribes that if the proposed patio is within one hundred feet of a Residential (R) zone, denial of the application is automatic.  If a proposed patio is between one hundred and three hundred feet from a residential (R) zone, a letter is circulated to property owners in the area for written comment within fifteen days.

 

With respect to the application for 311 Bank Street, Mr. Fournier noted the proposed patio is within three hundred feet of a residential zone east and west on MacLaren.  He indicated one complaint has been received in response to the written notice.  After receiving a complaint, staff try to resolve any issues. If resolution is not achieved, the proposal must go forward to Transportation and Transit Committee and Council for consideration.

 

In response to questions from the Chair, Mr. Fournier responded that all patios are seasonal and non-permanent in nature.  He noted only property owners in a residential zone one hundred to three hundred feet from the proposal receive written notice.  Other stakeholders, such as businesses or other persons who may use the sidewalk, are not notified under the current by-law.

Member D. Gladstone noted the Advisory Committee was circulated on this proposal as per a request by Councillor Elisabeth Arnold, whom Mr. Gladstone opined strongly opposes the patio which would occupy most of the traffic bulb, which would displace pedestrian traffic around the patio or onto the roadway.  Member Gladstone stated the encroachment by-law must be examined to resolve policy issues such as encroachment on traffic bulbs, public comment and consultation.

 

Mr. Fournier noted the current policy involves three main parties in the process: the objector, the Councillor and the operator. He noted the current by-law would be reviewed as part of the harmonization of the Encroachment By-laws of the former Municipalities.  Mr. Fournier noted the harmonization and review should be completed by the fall and in place for next patio season.

 

Mr. Harris asked that comments on the proposal for 311 Bank Street be dealt with separate from general policy concerns relating to the Encroachment By-law.  Chair D. Bell noted he would submit the Committee’s concerns relating to the Encroachment By-law and Member D. Gladstone would provide specific comments on the proposal to be considered at an upcoming Transportation and Transit Committee.

 

Moved by Member D. Gladstone

 

That the Mobility Issues Advisory Committee recommend that the Transportation and Transit Committee ask staff to review and prepare a report on policy for patio encroachment on City rights-of-way, including requirements for public notification and comment.

 

                                                                                                CARRIED

 

That the Mobility Issues Advisory Committee receive a verbal presentation from staff on the Proposed Outdoor Patio at 311 Bank Street.

 

RECEIVED

 

 

5.         TRANSPORTATION DEMAND MANAGEMENT

GESTION DE LA DEMANDE DE DÉPLACEMENTS

ACS2002-CCV-MOI-0006                                                                                       

 

Ms. S. Grenier, Program Manager, Transportation Demand Management, Traffic and Parking Operations, noted a workplan for the Transportation Demand Management (TDM) Strategy has been developed. The goal of the first phase of the strategy is to engage stakeholders.  The second phase will deal with the strategy itself.  Staff are hoping to raise the visibility of transportation demand management, which can be defined as a strategy on the best use of transportation infrastructure based on needs and influencing when and how people travel.

 

A commuter survey has been prepared and monitoring indicators for cycling and walking are forthcoming.  She noted staff are looking for input on all three elements.  Members L. McCarney, D. Gladstone and Chair D. Bell volunteered to provide input.  Ms. Grenier noted a meeting of interested members of both MIAC and the Cycling Advisory Committee (CAC) is scheduled for 8 July 2002 and will focus on indicators.  She undertook to send background information to the Committee Coordinator for distribution.  Ms. Grenier asked for feedback on the commuter travel behaviour draft questionnaire and Phase 1: A Framework for Discussion by Tuesday, 2 July 2002.

 

Chair D. Bell noted he taught traffic engineering at Carleton University and stated he was in favour of Transportation Demand Management, which he viewed as the better use of transportation infrastructure.  He thanked Ms. Grenier for appearing before the Committee.

 

That the Mobility Issues Advisory Committee

 

1.                  Receive this report for information;

 

                                                                                                RECEIVED

 

2.                  Select D. Gladstone, D. Bell and L. McCarney to provide input on the Draft TDM Strategy: Phase 1: A Framework for Discussion, on the commuter travel behaviour draft questionnaire and monitoring indicators.

 

                                                                                                      CARRIED, as amended

 

 

6.         RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PRINCIPLES AND DETAILED DESIGNS FOR HIGHWAY 417 INTERCHANGES ACCOMMODATING CYCLIST TRAFFIC

RECOMMANDATIONS DE PRINCIPES ET DE PLANS DÉTAILLÉS POUR LES ÉCHANGEURS DE L’AUTOROUTE 417 PERMETTANT LA CIRCULATION CYCLISTE                        

ACS2002-CCV-MOI-0007                                                                                       

 

Chair D. Bell acknowledged the presence of members of the Cycling Advisory Committee (CAC), who considered a similar report and moved a motion to work collaboratively with MIAC on this item.

 

Mr. R. Orchin, Manager, Mobility and Area Traffic Management, Traffic and Parking Operations, noted the Transportation, Utilities and Public Works Department was seeking input in order to make the Castlefrank Overpass and the Eagleson Interchange accommodating to both cyclists and pedestrians.  He noted input on the Castlefrank Overpass is required at the present time and the Eagleson Road Interchange will follow.  A consultant has been hired and will bring the group together for feedback and input on the Castlefrank Overpass.  A similar process will be followed for the Eagleson Road Interchange.

 

Member G. Pettifer noted he participated in a Castlefrank Citizens’ Group, which provided input on the possible design and asked how this item tied in to that particular consultation.  Mr. Orchin indicated problems occurred when implementing the input of the citizens’ group and stated staff were now going to two consultative committees of Council to follow up with the best possible solutions to resolve on-going design issues.

 

Members G. Pettifer and B. Singh Sembi volunteered to participate in the Castlefrank Overpass project and Chair D. Bell put his name forward to participate generally on the item.

 

That the Mobility Issues Advisory Committee select G. Pettifer and B. Singh Sembi to prepare detailed recommendations on the Castlefrank Overpass and D. Bell to participate in all projects outlined in the report.

 

                                                                                                CARRIED, as amended

 

 

7.         APPOINTMENTS TO St. JOSEPH BOULEVARD STUDY PUBLIC ADVISORY COMMITTEE AND TAXI ADVISORY COMMITEE

NOMINATIONS AU COMITÉ CONSULTATIF PUBLIC D’ÉTUDE DU BOULEVARD ST-JOSEPH ET AU COMITÉ CONSULTATIF SUR LES TAXIS                                                            

ACS2002-CCV-MOI-0008                                                                                       

 

Member B. Murdock noted he was previously appointed to serve on the Taxi Advisory Committee (TAC) during his previous term, but could not attend the Committee’s meetings, which take place during regular business hours.  Member E. Marquez put his name forward to serve as the new representative on that Committee. 

 

That the Mobility Issues Advisory Committee appoint:

 

1.                  Bruce Murdock as MIAC’s representative for the St. Joseph Boulevard Study Public Advisory Committee;

2.                  Efren Marquez to serve as liaison member to the Taxi Advisory Committee.

 

                                                                                                CARRIED, as amended

 

 

8.                  Rapid Transit Expansion Study Updates - Sounding Board and Open House

Mises à jour de l’étude sur l’expansion du transport en commun rapide : Groupe de rétroaction et réunion « portes ouvertes »               

 

Member P. Spearey provided written correspondence, on file with the Committee Coordinator, providing further updates on the Rapid Transit Expansion Study and the work of its Sounding Board.  The Sounding Board met for the second time on 5 June 2002 and received a status report on the 20/20 review process and the upcoming Transportation Master Plan and new Official Plan.  Briefings and discussions were held on the following: expectations for Rapid Transit, selection and screening of corridors, technology candidates, population and employment forecasts, and travel demand.  The time horizon for the study has been extended to 2030.

 

Members of the Committee provided general comments on the open house.  Vice Chair M. Haddad opined the focus was fairly broad and recommended that another public meeting with more detail be organized before the final report is submitted to Committee and Council, possibly in November.  Member D. Gladstone suggested that no additional funds are allocated in the five-year Capital budget to carry out the recommendations of the study.  He also touched upon the growth areas for the next twenty years.  Member S. Clark stated he attended the event with his father who found the session informative and staff very helpful.

 

That the Mobility Issues Advisory Committee receive updates on the above noted item.

 

                                                                                     RECEIVED

 

 

9.            Discussion: Traffic Calming

Discussion : Mesures de modération de la circulation              

 

Chair D. Bell presented the first position paper in a series for the Committee’s review and approval.  He noted Member D.L. Ahee’s written comments with respect to emergency response vehicles.  She suggested inviting emergency response personnel to appear before the Committee for future discussions on traffic calming measures. The Committee agreed in principle on the position paper with the following minor changes:

 

·     1st paragraph, 1st sentence: “Traffic calming is a set of tools that can be used to reduce the negative impacts of vehicle traffic in generally residential areas.”

·     3rd paragraph, last sentence: “Calming measures can have negative impacts on emergency response capacity.”

 

That the Mobility Issues Advisory Committee initiate a discussion on Traffic Calming.

 

                                                                                     CARRIED

 

10.       SUB-COMMITTEES - UPDATES

PLAN DE TRAVAIL 2002 - MODIFICATIONS AU BUDGET                               

 

Sub-committees as required provided reports on new developments and activities. Member B. Murdock, on behalf of the Outreach Sub-committee, provided a report on the meeting held 29 May 2002 at the Orléans Client Service Centre.  Mr. Murdock noted a good discussion on issues facing east end residents took place, including the possibility of an east end bridge, park and ride lots, ring roads, 417/174 Split and other transportation issues.  Member Murdock suggested appending an outreach component to regular meetings.  Vice Chair M. Haddad suggested reconsidering how such meetings are advertised and noted a worthwhile and lively discussion occurred on important issues.  Member S. Clark noted attendance might have been higher if it was not for playoff hockey and a beautiful May evening.

 

Member L. McCarney provided an update on the OC Transpo Sub-committee, which at its last meeting received a presentation on transit priority measures, including dedicated bus lanes, traffic signals, queue jumping, cigar signals and painted pavement.  The Sub-committee also discussed school bus routes, revenue figures and increased ridership.  Ms. McCarney raised the issue of fare inspectors. Mr. J. Koffman, Manager, Scheduling and Analysis, Transit Services, noted the inspection is not formal and is now less visible.  Member McCarney opined that riders are less likely to cheat with the presence of fare inspectors. Vice Chair M. Haddad noted inspectors check before riders enter the bus, rather than after they have boarded.

 

Member McCarney also noted the tunnel under the Mackenzie King Bridge does not have a push button at one end for accessibility.  Mr. Koffman indicated the issue is being looked at and will be dealt with shortly.

 

The Roadway Safety and Long-term Issues Sub-committees had no new information to report.

 

That the Mobility Issues Advisory Committee receive updates from sub-committees.

 

                                                                                                RECEIVED

 

 

11.              UPDATE ON THE ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT STUDY FOR THE ALTA VISTA TRANSPORTATION CORRIDOR PUBLIC ADVISORY COMMITTEE

MISE À JOUR SUR L’ÉTUDE D’ÉVALUATION ENVIRONNEMENTALE SUR LE COULOIR DE CIRCULATION D’ALTA VISTA

D. GLASTONE                                                                                                          

 

Member. D. Gladstone provided a written report held on file with the Committee Clerk and urged the Committee to take a position on the issue at some point.  Discussion occurred on the corridor itself and the use of the terminology “transportation corridor” rather than “parkway”.  Chair D. Bell suggested Member Gladstone prepare a draft position paper for the Committee’s review.

 

That the Mobility Issues Advisory Committee receive an update on the Environmental Assessment Study for the Alta Vista Transportation Corridor. 

 

                                                                                                            RECEIVED

 

 

12.     OTTAWA 20/20 / OFFICIAL PLAN – WORKING GROUP

OTTAWA 20/20 / PLAN OFFICIEL – GROUPE DE TRAVAIL                              

 

Member D. Gladstone noted the draft Official Plan was circulated for original public comment and suggested the Committee has a useful role to play in terms of providing guidance and clarifying language.

 

That the Mobility Issues Advisory Committee receive a report from the working group created at the previous meeting.

 

                                                                                                RECEIVED

 

 

OTHER BUSINESS

AUTRES QUESTIONS

 

Annual Review of Advisory Committees

 

Vice Chair M. Haddad noted a meeting of Chairs and Vice Chairs occurred to discuss with Ms. S. Roy, Manager, Policy and Projects, Secretariat Services, the Annual Review of Advisory Committees.  Minor modifications are proposed to the Participation Expense Policy, Appointment Policy, as well as the roles of Councillor Liaison, Committee Coordinator and Department Liaison.  Staff are proposing the amalgamation of the Cycling Advisory Committee with the Mobility Advisory Committee.  The Vice Chair noted there was not much support for the proposal and noted the rationale was cost saving and combining Committees with similar or related areas of study.

 

Chair D. Bell invited members to communicate their comments to Ms. Roy on the proposal.  He noted that written responses from Members Clark, McCarney and Gladstone had been received outlining concerns relating to possible workload problems with amalgamation.  Member D Gladstone noted members were appointed for a three-year term on a particular advisory committee and stated he would resign if amalgamation went forward.  He noted the cycling community is a dynamic one, which requires its own Committee.

 

Plan of Subdivision – Lebreton Flats

 

Member D. Gladstone noted a plan of subdivision has been submitted and delegation of authority has been removed, therefore enabling review by the Planning and Development Committee.  The member offered to send out an information package to MIAC members.

 

July Meeting

 

The Committee agreed to cancel the July meeting. The next meeting is scheduled for 15 August 2002.  A quorum call will be done before the meeting to ensure sufficient attendance.

 

 

ADJOURNMENT
LEVÉE DE LA SÉANCE

 

The Committee adjourned the meeting at 10:05 p.m.

 

 

 

 

Original Signed by Robbie Tremblay                          Original Signed by Dr. David Bell                 

Committee Coordinator                                             Chair